'Bogus' Ukraine theory led to Trump's abuse, Dems tell trial

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By LISA MASCARO, ERIC TUCKER and ZEKE MILLER

WASHINGTON (AP) —

Democratic House prosecutors argued Thursday in Donald Trump’s impeachment trial that the president was swept up by a “completely bogus” Ukraine theory pushed by attorney Rudy Giuliani and that led to his abuse of presidential power and then impeachment.

As the Democrats pressed their case for a second day before skeptical Republican Senate jurors, they displayed video images of the nation’s top FBI and Homeland Security officials warning the public off the theory that it was Ukraine, not Russia, that interfered in the 2016 election.

“That’s what Donald Trump wanted investigated or announced — this completely bogus Kremlin-pushed conspiracy theory,” said Rep. Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee who is leading the prosecution.

Trump is accused of seeking the investigation — and probes of political foe Joe Biden and Biden’s son — for his own political benefit while holding back congressionally approved military aid as leverage. Schiff said, “You an imagine what a danger that presents to this country.”



In this image from video, House impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., speaks during the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020. (Senate Television via AP)


Read more: https://apnews.com/5dbd0f2716438d40395b36f054f7d55d

[Karadeniz]

1. I'll bet Putin personally gave him the information and maybe before their Helsinki meeting.

Trump saw no reason to disbelieve Putin's claims of innocence and he had that unchaperoned, undocumented meeting with Putin.

So far, Trump has taken Putin's advice to not hold joint military exercises with S. Korea to get along better with Kim. Also, Trump told a briefer from the FBI that he didn't believe Kim would attack the US because Putin told him so. The agent reported that tidbit back to his office. That was why Rosenstein and McCabe discussed wearing a wire or getting the 25th amendment imposed on the Russian asset.

[SunSeeker]

5. THIS

I doubt it originated with Rudy.

[Maxheader]

2. Common people!!

The democrats are laying out the facts...the gop handjobs can't disprove them..

Call your gop senator and demand they allow witnesses...

[oldsoftie]

3. "Well, it just doesnt rise to the level of removal". Or some such BS

[bucolic_frolic]

4. Republicans are being schooled in the rule of law

by seasoned professionals with class and integrity. Sadly or fortunately, Republicans are so wrapped up in their own invincibility and power that they haven't a clue what is going on in America. Collective hubris will be their downfall in November.